Insect control employing compounds having juvenile hormone-like activity

ABSTRACT

INSECT POPULATIONS ARE CONTROLLED BY TREATING AN IMMATURE FORM OF THE INSECT WITH A COMPOUND POSSESSING JUVENILE HOMONE-LIKE ACTIVITY. SUCH A COMPOUND IS ONE HAVING THE FORMULA   Y-CH2-CH2-CH(-Z1)-C(-Z2)(-R1)-CH2-CH2-CH(-Z3)-C(-Z4)(-R2)-   R3   WHEREIN Y IS THIENYL, PHENYL OR SUBSTITUTED PHENYL. FOR EXAMPLE, 9- 3,4-METHYLENEDUIXOGEBTK)2-6-DIMETHYL-2,6NONADIENE EXHIBITS VERY GOOD ACTIVITY. MANY OF THE COMPOUNDS DESCRIBED ARE NOVEL.

United States Patent No. 187,890 a Int. Cl. A01n 9/28 US. Cl. 424278 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Insect populations are controlled by treating an immature form of the insect with a compound possessing juvenile hormone-like activity. Such a compound is one having the formula Z1 Z: Z: Z4 Y--CHrCHr-H-$-CH:CH:JJH--Ra l 1 wherein Y is thienyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl. For example, 9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6- nonadiene exhibits very good activity. Many of the compounds described are novel.

CROSS-REFERENCE This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 877,019, filed Nov. 14, 1969, now abandoned, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of then copending application Ser. No. 787,281, filed Dec. 26, 1968, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention concerns a method for controlling insects with a series of compounds which exhibit juvenile hormone-like activity. More particularly, this invention is concerned with the control of insect populations using a series of compounds comprising a long carbon chain containing at least 11 carbon atoms to which is attached a thiophene, benzene or substituted benzene ring.

It is well known to control insects by treating a metamorphic stage of the insect with a juvenile hormone to prevent passage of; the insect to a subsequent metamorphic stage. As a result of such treatment the insect will not achieve full maturity. The structure of two such hormones, Juvenile Hormones I and II, are shown below.

0 CH;CH:C CHCH2-CHa- =QHCHn-CH -C=CHCO2CH: (13H: H (EH3 (II) A series of synthetically prepared compounds having juvenile hormone-like activity are described in South African Pat. 67/5,149. These compounds, like the naturally occurring hormones, have a straight-chain carbon skeleton. This carbon skeleton is terminated by such groups as ester, hydroxy, halo, and amino.

Wigglesworth, J. Ins. PhysioL, 9, 105 (1963), reported that dendrolasin exhibits some juvenile hormone activity. Dendrolasin is a naturally-occurring compound secreted by the mandibular gland of the ant. Chemically, it is 9- (2-furyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene.

In the course of synthetic studies in the diterpene series Nasipuri et al., J. Chem. $00., 1964, 2146, prepared 9-(3- methoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene by means of the Wittig reaction. There was. no suggestion that the compound possesses biological activity.

SUMMARY I have now discovered a class of compounds having juvenile hormone-like activity. My compounds comprise a hydrocarbon chain of at least 11 carbon atoms to which is attached a thiophene, benzene or substituted benzene ring. The development of specific species of insect populations are controlled by treating immature forms of specific species of insects with a maturation-inhibiting amount of one of my compounds. The compounds are effective when ingested by the immature insect form or when the immature insect form is contacted with the compound.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The compounds of my invention are those having the following formula wherein each of R R and R is a C -C alkyl group; each of Z Z Z and Z, separately is hydrogen or halogen, or Z, and Z together or Z, and 2, together are oxygen or a carbon to carbon bond; and Y is thienyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl wherein the substituents are flu'or'o, chloro, bromo, carboethoxy, cyano, methoxy, ethoxy, methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy, C -C alkyl, nitro, dimethylamino or diethylamino.

Thus, for example, each of R R and R may be such groups as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, and isopropyl. It'is to be understood that all R groups need not be the same in a particular molecule but that each R can take on a value independent of the others.

It is to be understood that Z and Z are related as are Z and 2,. Taken separately, each Z may be hydrogen or halogen. Z and Z taken together may be an oxygen atom to form an epoxy group or a carbon to carbon bond so that there is a double bond between the carbon atoms to which Z and Z are attached. Z and Z may also be taken separately or together in this same manner. Halogens that may be employed include chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine. Chlorine is preferred.

Y represents thienyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl such as 4 cyanophenyl, 4 dimethylaminophenyl, 3 bromophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl, S-methylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, 2,4- diethoxyphenyl, 2,3 dimethoxyphenyl, 4 carboethoxye phenyl, 4-ethylphenyl, 4-isopropylphenyl, or 3-nitrophenyl.

The preferred compounds of my invention are those in which R R and R are methyl or ethyl, each Z sepa-' rately is hydrogen or Z, and Z "together and Z and Z together are oxygen or carbon to carbon bonds, and Y is m methoxyphenyl, p methoxyphenyl, 3,4 dimethoxyphenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, or 3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl. The trans isomers of the unsaturated compounds are preferred over the cis isomers. Particularly preferred are those compounds having the following structures.

-cn,-cn,-on=p-on,-on,-ergo-carom CH; CHI

slug

CHrO- CH: O

OCH:

- CHa-CHr-CHz-(f H-C Hr-CHg-CHg-(f H--CH L CH] OH Some of the compounds of my invention may be prepared by a five-step synthesis starting with the proper cinnamic acid. Where practical, the cinnamic acid for use in my process is one substituted in the benzene ring with those substituents which are desired in the final product. It will be apparent to a skilled chemist that it will sometimes 'be necessary to introduce substituents onto the ring at some intermediate point in my synthesis. Such a procedure does not detract from my overall synthesis. By means of my process the cinnamic acid side chain is expanded to the side chain found in the product.

As the first step of my process it is necessary to hydrogenate the double bond in the cinnamic acid side chain. The hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds is well known to those skilled in the art and may be accomplished in the presence of the proper hydrogenation catalyst. I have found a catalyst of palladium on carbon to work quite well in this hydrogenation step. The reaction may be conducted at a temperature within the range of 0 to 100 C. and preferably within the range of -40 C. at a pressure of up to 100 p.s.i.g. and preferably at -50 p.s.i.g. This pressure is the initial pressure in the reaction vessel and will decrease as hydrogen is consumed unless additional hydrogen is added to the vessel. The addition of more hydrogen is not essential to the process.

(VII) (VIII) In the second step of my process the carboxyl group of the phenylpropionic acid obtained by hydrogenation of the cinnamic acid is reduced to a hydroxymethyl group. Means for reducing a carboxyl group are also known to those skilled in the art. I prefer to use lithium aluminum hydride as the reducing agent in an inert solvent such as diethyl ether. The acid may be added as a solid to a solution of the lithium aluminum hydride in the solvent. However, I have obtained better results when the acid is added continuously in solution in the solvent. The temperature is preferably kept below 50 C. and still more preferably below about 35 C. When ether is employed as the solvent the reaction proceeds readily at the reflux temperature.

The phenylpropanol obtained in the preceding step is next treated with a phosphorus trihalide to replace the hydroxyl group with halogen. This reaction proceeds readily upon the addition of the phosphorous trihalide to a solution of the'alcohol in an inert solvent such as carbon tetrachloride. The reaction is a mildly exothermic one and the temperature may be allowed to rise during the addition period. At the completion of the addition of the phosphorous trihalide the reaction mixture is preferably heated at a temperature of 50 to C. for a brief time of from say 5 to 30 minutes to insure complete reaction, I prefer to use phosphorous tribromide in this step.

Reaction of the halide from Step 3 with triphenylphosphine results in the preparation of a phosphonium halide. This reaction is preferably conducted in an inert hydrocarbon solvent such as benzene, toluene, or xylene. The temperature to be employed depends upon the substituents present in the benzene ring of the propyl halide. Stability problems arise with certain members of the series if temperatures much above 80 C. are used. The reaction does proceed at temperatures of around 80 C. and no stability problems are encountered at this temperature. With stable materials reaction temperatures in excess of 80 C. may be employed to increase the reaction rate.

The phosphonium halides obtained at this step in the process'jare key intermediates for the preparation of the final active products. These phosphonium halides are represented by the formula wherein Y has the values assigned above and X is halogen such as bromine or chlorine. Of particular interest are those phosphonium bromides wherein Y is m-methoxyphenyl,; p-methoxyphenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl, or 3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl.

In the final step of the process thephosphonium halide from Step 4 is reacted with the appropriate ketone in the presence of a base in the well-knownl'Wittig reaction. This reaction is preferably conducted in a solvent under nitrogen at a temperature of to 50 C. and preferably to 30 C. Bases that have been typically employed in the Wittig reaction include sodium hydride, sodium amide, and butyllithium in such solvents as dimethyl sulfoxide and benzene; I have obtained good results in my process with butyllithium in dimethyl sulfoxide.

The ketone for use in this step of my process is one having the structure 0 R1 z- I-CH=C-R it. wherein R R and R have the values assigned above. Any known method may be used in preparing these ketones. One such method is described, for example, in South AfricanPat. 67/ 5,149.

This method of preparing the compounds of my invention will be further illustrated by the following examples. It is tobe understood that these examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

EXAMPLE 1 To a solution of 50 g. of 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid in 200 ml. of a 2 N potassium carbonate solution in a Pair shaker was added 0.5 g; of a five percent palladium on carbon catalyst. Hydrogen was introduced into the reactor to a pressure of 30:p.s.i.g. The reaction was allowed to proceed until 0.26 moles of hydrogen were taken up (about four hours). At the completion of the reaction the mixture was filtered to remove the catalyst. Acidification of the mixture resulted in the precipitation of the desired 3,4-methylenedioxyphenylpropionic acid in 95 percent yield.

EXAMPLE 2 To a suspension of 13.2 g. of lithium aluminum hydride in 500 ml. of anhydrous ether was added 45 g. of 3(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propionic acid, prepared as in Example 1, in small portions as a solid at room temperature with rapid stirring. Following addition, the reaction mixture was heated under reflux overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 to 10 C. and 13.2 ml. of water, 13.2 ml. of percent sodium hydroxide solution, and 39.6 ml. of water were added in that order. After stirring at room temperature for one hour the mixture was filtered to remove salts and the ether fraction was separated and dried over magnesium sulfate.

Evaporation of the ether at reduced pressure yielded 41.5 g. of crude 3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propyl alcohol which was used in subsequent reactions without further purification.

I have obtained better results in the reduction of the carboxyl group when the acid is added to the suspension of lithium aluminum hydride as a solution over a period of time. I therefore recommend that the acid be added as a solution rather than as a solid. 1

EXAMPLE 3 To a solution of 41.2 g. of 3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propyl alcohol in 66 ml. of carbon tetrachloride was added dropwise with stirring 34 g. of phosphorous tribromide over a 20-minute period. The reaction temperature rose to 45 C. during this addition. The reaction mixture was then heated at 70 C. for 10 minutes and poured onto 200 ml. of crushed ice. This heterogeneous mixture Was separated and the aqueous portion was extracted with 400 ml. of carbon tetrachloride. The extract was combined with the organic layer from the reaction mixture'and the combined fractions washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution in that order and dried over magnesium sulfate. After one hour the solution was filtered, the carbon tetrachloride was removed under re-' duced pressure and the residue was distilled at 0.5 mm. of mercury at an overhead temperature of 116 to 119 C. to give 32 g. of the desired 3-(3,4-methylene-dioxypheny1) propyl bromide.

EXAMPLE 4 A solution of 40 g. of 3-(p-methoxyphenyl)propyl bromide and 49.3 g. of triphenylphosphine in 500 ml. of benzene was heated under reflux under nitrogen for 96 hours. The solid which precipitated was removed by filtration. This solid weighed 40 g. The benzene was removed from the solution under reduced pressure and 250 ml. of o-xylene was added to the residue. This solution was heated under reflux an additional three days. The solid resulting from this reaction was recrystallized from benzene-hexane to yield an additional 35 g. of product. The 3 (p -methoxyphenyl)propyltriphenylphosphonium bromide product had a melting point of 158 to 161 C.

Analysis.Calculated for C H BrOP: C, 68.25; H, 5.72; Br, 15.62. Found: C, 67.96; H, 5.76; Br, 15.45.

Following the procedure of Example 4 the following additional phosphonium bromides were also prepared.

Compound: Melting point, C.

3 (m methoxyphenyl) -propy1triphenylphosphonium bromide 126-129 3-( 3,4 methylenedioxyphenyl) propyl triphenylphosphonium bromide 188-190 EXAMPLE 5 A solution of 0.071 mole of butyllithium in 32.2 ml. of hexane was added to 50 ml. of anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide. Following the evolution of butane 35.0 g. of 3 (p methoxyphenyl)propyltriphenylphosphonium bromide was added portionwise over a period of 10 minutes. The resulting deep red solution was stirred for two hours at room temperature under nitrogen. To the mixture was then added a solution of 9.0 g. of 6-methyl-5-heptene- 2-one in 10 ml. of dimethyl sulfoxide. Stirring at room temperature was continued for 16 hours following the addition of the ketone. The reaction mixture was diluted with 350 m1. of water and the mixture was extracted twice with ether. The ether solutions were combined, washed with water, washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, and dried over magnesium sulfate. The ether was removed at reduced pressure and the resulting residue was placed on a column of 1 kg. of silica gel in benzene solution. Elution was carried out with benzene, with fractions of 20 ml. volume being collected. The desired prod- EXAMPLE 6 The procedure of Example was repeated employing the m-metboxyphenyl compound in place of the p-methoxyphenyl compound-The product was evaporatively distilled at 105 C. and 40 microns pressure. The infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirmed the product to have the expected structure VII.

I Analysis-Calculated for C H O: C, 83.66; H, 10.4. Found: C, 83.94;'H,10.11.

' EXAMPLE 7 The procedure of Example 5 was repeated using the 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl compound in place of the p-methoxyphenyl compound. The product from this reaction was evaporatively distilled 'at 120 C. and 40 microns pressure. The,nuclear magnetic resonance spectra was that expected for the desired product IX.

Analysis.--Cal-culated for C H O C, 79.12; H, 9.75. Found: C, 79.34; H, 9.54.

EXAMPLE 8 The procedure of Example 5 was repeated employing the 3,'4-methylenedioxyphenyl compound in place of the p-methoxyphenyl compound. The product was chromatographed over silica gel and then evaporatively distilled'at 100 to 125 C. and 60 to 80 microns pressure. Structure III was confirmed by nuclear magnetic spectroscopy.

Analysis.--Calculated for 'C 'H 'O C, 79.37; H, 8,88. Found: C, 79.'14; H, 8.62.

EXAMPLE 9 The procedure of Example 8 was repeated using 3- methyl-3-nonene-7-one as the ketone. The product was purifie by chromatography over silica and evaporative distillation at 60 microns pressure and- 150 .C. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum confirmed structure IV. An'alysis.-Calculated for CgoHggOgI C, 79.79; H, 9.41. Found: C, 79.95; H, 9.39.

EXAMPLE '10 EXAMPLE 11 3 (3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid (50 g.) was added to a cool solution of 55 g. of potassium hydroxide tn'zoo ml. of water. To this solution was added 56.4 g. of 1 ,2-dibromoethane and the resulting mixture was heated under reflux with stirring for 90 minutes. The mixture was cooled, chloroform was added, the aqueous portion Waqacidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the layers were separated. The chloroform solution was washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution anddried over magnesium sulfate. After filtering, the bulk of the chloroform was removed at 40 C. under reduced pressure, with the temperature being raised to 50 C. to remove the last trace of chloroform. A nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum confirmed that the desired 3- (3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl)propionic acid had been obtained in high purity. The yield was 22 g.

" EXAMPLE '12 The product from Example 11 was treated with lithium aluminum hydride as described in Example 2. The desired 3-(.3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl)propyl alcohol was obtained in an 18 g. yield.-

EXAMPLE l3 The alcohol from Example 12 was treated with phosphorous tribromide as described in Example 3. The yield of the desired 3-(3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl)propyl bro- -mide Was 17.1 g. The structure was confirmedby the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum.

3 '(3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl)propyltriphenylphosphonium bromide was prepared by treating the bromide from Example 13 with triphenylphosphine following a procedure similar to that' of Example 4 except that thereaction mixture was stirred as a melt with no solvent at C. and 10 mm. pressure. The yield of product melting at 195198 C. was 22 g. The structure was confirmed by the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum.

The phosphonium bromide from Example 14 was treated as described in Example 5 to yield the desired 9 (3,4 ethylenedioxyphenyl) 7 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene (VI). The structure was confirmed by nuclear mag netic resonance spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE 16 3-hydroxycinnamic acid was converted to 3-eth oxycinnamic acid in the following manner. A solution of 25 g. of 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, 10 g. of sodium hydroxide and 32 g. of ethyl bromide in 300 ml. of ethanol was heated under reflux for 16 hours. Water was added and the mixture was acidified to precipitate the free acid product which was collected by filtration. Approximately 8 g. was obtained. The alcohol was distilled from the 'filtrate under reduced pressure. The resulting solution was extracted twice with benzene. The benzene extracts were combined, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and the benzene evaporated to yield about 17 g. of the ethyl ester of 3-ethoxycinnamic acid.

The ester was treated-as described in Examples 1-5 to obtain 9 (3 ethoxyphenyl) 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE 17 3 (3,5 dimethoxyphenyl)propionic acid was treated as described in Examples 2-5 to obtain 9- (3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene.'The product distilled at C. at 60 microns pressure. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

It is apparent that a wide scope of compounds of my invention can be prepared using the process I have described by choosing the proper cinnamic acid and ketone starting materials. It is to be understood that the proper substituents before hydrogenation. The former procedure is illustrated by'iExample 11.

My compounds can also be prepared by a Grignard coupling of a properly substituted benzyl halide and an aliphatic halide such as geranyl chloride or octyl bromide. The Grignard reaction is awell-known method of coupling two halides together. The Grignard reagent may be prepared from eitherthe benzyl halide or the aliphatic halide and then coupled with the other.EThe following examples will illustrate .thismethod of preparation.

EXAMPLE 1::

A solution of 154,-3 g; of geraniol in 1.25 l. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was cooled to 0 C. To this solution maintained at 0 C. was added dropwise with stirring a solution .of one mole of butyllithium in hexane (about 440 ml.). After all .the butyllithium had been added, 84 g. of solid lithium chloride was added in one portion. A solution of 190.5 g. of p-toluenesulfonylchloride in 750 ml. of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was then added dropwise at C. The mixture was stirred for onehalf hour after addition. Approximately 2 l. of water was added and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was reextracted with 1 l. of ether and the organic fractions were combined, washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. After drying over magnesium sulfate the solvents were removed, having 180 g. of a yellow liquid. This liquid was distilled to yield 118 g. of geranyl chloride, boiling point 73-74 C. at 3 mm. pressure. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE l9 Benzyl magnesium chloride was prepared by the dropwise addition, under nitrogen, of a solution of 31.8 g. of benzyl chloride in 200 ml. of anhydrous ethyl ether to 6.1 g. of magnesium. Following the addition, the reaction mixture was heated under reflux for one hour and then stored overnight under nitrogen at room temperature. The solution was then added dropwise with stirring at room temperature to a solution of 35 g. of geranyl chloride in 50 ml. of anhydrous ether and 100 ml. of hexamethylphosphoramide. When about two-thirds of the benzyl magnesium chloride had been added, a salt precipitated. An additional 100 ml. of hexamethylphosphoramide was added and the reaction mixture was warmed slightly. Addition was resumed and continued until the yellow reaction mixture turned dark brown. Water, 400 ml., and 300 ml. of ether were added. Following acidification of the aqueous phase with dilute hydrochloric acid, the layers were separated and the aqueous phase was reextracted with ether. The other fractions were combined and washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water, and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The solution was dried over magnesium sulfate and the ether removed under reduced pressure, leaving 43 g. of a mobile yellow liquid. Chromatography over silica gel using benzene-hexane for elution followed by evaporative distillation at 90 C. and 20 microns pressure gave quite pure trans-2,6-dimethyl-9-phenyl 2,6 nonadiene. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

1 Other compounds prepared by the Grignard coupling reaction were trans-2,6-dimethyl-9-(3-tolyl)-2,6-nonadiene, trans2,6-dimethyl-9-(3-chlorophenyl) 2,6 nonadiene, trans-2,6-dimethyl-9-(4-chlorophenyl) 2,6 nonadiene, and trans-2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4dichlorophenyl) 2,6- nonadiene.

Still others of the compounds to be used in the method of my invention may be prepared by a method I shall refer to as the dithiane route. This route is depicted by the following equations:

CH3 CH:

7 0;; thoroughly dried and care should be taken to keep the re- 10 In the first step of the dithiane route an aldehyde is reacted with 1,3-propanedithiol to obtain the 1,3-dithiane. This is a well-known method of blocking carbonyl groups and a skilled chemist would have no difiiculty in preparing the dithiane. The reaction is carried out at elevated 1 temperature in the presence of an acidic agent such as p-toluenesulfonic acid. The water of reaction is continuously removed by any convenient means, such as azeotropic distillation. The use of an inert solvent, especially one that forms an azeotrope with water, facilitates the reaction. This step of the process will be illustrated by the following example.

EXAMPLE 20 To a mixture .of 30 g. (0.2 mole) of 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde and 21.8 g. (0.2 mole) of 1,3-propanedithiol in 400ml. of benzene was added 1.5 g. of ptoluenesulfonic acid. The mixture was heated under reflux for one hour with the water formed being collected in a Dean-Stark trap. The reaction mixture wasfiltered and washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water, and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. After the solution had been dried over magnesium sulfate, the benzene was removed at 40 C. under reduced pressure. The light yellow solid which remained was recrystallized from a benzene-petroleum ether mixture. Recrystallization afforded 38.5 g. of the desired 2-'(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1,3-dithiane, m.p. 96 C.

Analysis.Calculated for C I-1 0 8 C, 54.97; H, 5.03. Found: C, 55.15; H, 5.02. l

Following the procedure of Example 20 the following dithianes (B) were prepared.

M.P., C.

In the second step of the process the dithiane is reacted with a chlorodiene in the presence of a base. This reactionis conducted in an inert solvent in the cold. Tem-' perat-ures are preferably kept below 0 C., and more preferably below 10 C. Suitable solvents include tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and the like. The solvent should be action mixture free of water until the reaction is complete. I have found butyllithium to be a particularly good base for the reaction. At times, it may be desirable to include an amine such as diisopropylamine. This step will be further illustrated by the following examples.

1 1 EXAMPLE 21 A solution of 24 g. (0.1 mole) of 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-1,3-dithiane in 200 ml. of THF (dried over CaH was placed under a nitrogen atmosphere and cooled to -30 C. and 50 ml. of a 23 percent solution of n-butyllithium in hexane was added dropwise with stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 hours while maintaining the temperature below --l C. A solution of 17.3 g. of trans-1-chloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,6- octadiene in 100 ml. of THF (dried over CaH was then added dropwise with stirring. The reaction mixture was maintained at 0 C. for 70 hours. After acidification to a pH of 6 the reaction mixture was poured into 600 ml. of water. The resulting heterogeneous mixture was extracted three times with petroleum ether, the extracts were combined, washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water, and brine, and dried over magnesium sulfate. After evaporation of the petroleum ether there was obtained 30 g. of a light yellow oil. Purification was achieved by chromatographing 15 g. of the oil over 500 g. of silica gel using benzene as the eluent. Fourteen grams of the desired trans-2-(3,7-dimethyl 2,6 octadienyl)-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)- 1,3-dithiane was obtained. The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Other compounds of formula C prepared by the procedure of Example 21 were those in which Y is Z-thienyl, 4-dimethylaminophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, and 3,4-dichlorophenyl.

EXAMPLE 22 A solution of 4.5 g. (51 mmoles) of diisopropylamine in 100 ml. of THF (distilled from LiAlH was cooled to 30 C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. To this cold solution was added dropwise with stirring 23 ml. of a 24 percent solution of n-butyllithium in hexane. A solution of 11.0 g. (50 mmoles) of 2-(4-cyanophenyl)-1,3-dithiane in 50 m1. of THF was added dropwise with stirring at 25 to -30 C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 20 to 40 C. for two hours. Trans-1-chloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene (8.6 g., 50 mmoles) in 50 ml. THF was added dropwise with stirring at -30 C. After the reaction mixture had been stirred for one hour at about -75 C., it was poured into twice its volume of water. The aqueous phase was twice extracted with petroleum ether and the extracts were combined and washed successively with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water and brine. After drying over magnesium sulfate the petroleum ether was evaporated, leaving 16 g. of a light yellow oil. The oil was purified by chromatography over 400 g. of silica gel using benzene as the eluent. Ten grams of the desired trans-2-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-(3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)-1,3-dithiane was obtained pure as shown by NMR.

Using the same procedure trans-2-(4-carboethoxyphenyl) 2-(3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)-1,3-dithiane was Obtained from 2-(4-carboethoxyphenyl)-1,3-dithiane.

EXAMPLE 23 n-Butyllithium, 13 ml. of a 23 percent solution in hexane, was added dropwise with stirring to 13 ml. of dry dimethyl sulfoxide maintained under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The resulting LiCH SOCH was added dropwise with stirring to 7.0 g. (25 mmoles) of 2-(3-bromophenyl)-1,3- dithiane in 130 ml. of THF (dried over CaH maintained at 30 C. under nitrogen. Stirring at -30 C. was continued for two hours. Tra'ns 1-chloro-3,7-dimethyl-2,6- octadiene (4.3 g., 25 mmoles) in 30 ml. of THF was added at -30 C. The mixture was stirred while being allowed to slowly warm to room temperature overnight. The mixture was poured into twice its volume of ice water and extracted with ether. The ether extract was washed with brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. Removal of the ether at 40 C. under vacuum afforded 12 g. of an oil. Five grams of the oil was purified by chromatography over 100 g. of silica gel, eluting with 1:1 benzene-petroleum 12 ether. Three grams of pure trans-2-(3-bromophenyl)-2- (3,7 dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)-1,3-dithiane was obtained as confirmed by NMR.

The corresponding 4-bromophenyl compound was also prepared by this procedure.

In the third step of the dithiane route the dithiane ring is cleaved by reduction to leave a methylene group. Care must be exercised to cleave the dithiane without reducing the double bonds in the octadiene chain. I have found Raney nickel to be well suited for this reduction. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are other reducing agents that can perform this selective reduction. The reduction will be illustrated by Example 24.

EXAMPLE 24 A mixture of 5.0 g. (12.4 mmoles) of trans-2-(4-carboethoxyphenyl) 2 (3,7-dirnethyl-2,6-octadienyl)-l,3-dithiane and 48 ml. of settled Raney nickel in 500 ml. of anhydrous ethanol was stirred at room temperature for three hours. The Raney nickel was removed by filtration and washed extensively with anhydrous ethanol. The al cohol was removed at 50 C. under vacuum, the residue dissolved in petroleum ether, and the petroleum ether solution washed successively with Water and brine.- After drying over magnesium sulfate, the petroleum ether was removed at 40 C. under vacuum, leaving 3.4 g. of a colorless oil. The oil was purified by chromatography over 70 g. of silica gel, eluting with 1:1 benzene-petroleum ether. Three grams of spectroscopically (NMR) and gas chromatographically pure ethyl trans-4-(4,8-dimethyl-3,7- nonadienyl)benzoate was obtained.

Other compounds of formula D prepared in this manner were those in which Y is 2-thienyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4- dimethylaminophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 3-bromophenyl, 4- fluorophenyl, 3,4-dichlorophenyl and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.

Those compounds wherein one or more of the Z groups is halogen may be obtained by the known procedure of adding a hydrogen halide to one or both of the double bonds in the side chain. This results in one Z of a pair being halogen, while the other is hydrogen. This procedure is illustrated by Example 25.

EXAMPLE 25 Hydrogen chloride was bubbled into 200 ml. of carbon tetrachloride at 0 C. To this solution was added 2.0 g. of 2,6 dimethyl 9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene and the mixture was placed in a refrigerator at 0 C. for several hours. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure left 2.5 g. of a viscous oil. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of the product showed only a trace of vinyl absorption indicating that the reaction had proceeded to virtual completion.

The epoxides of my invention can be prepared in the usual manner by the oxidation of the double bond with hydrogen peroxide or a per acid. However, I prefer to prepare the epoxides by way of the halohydrin. The epoxide is obtained from the halohydrin by dehydrohalogenation using a mild base. This process will be further illustrated by the following examples.

EXAMPLE 26 A solution of 5.0 g. of 9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)- 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene (prepared as in Example 8) in 73 ml. of dimethoxyethane was prepared. To this solution was added 22 ml. of water and the resulting heterogeneous mixture was cooled to 0 C. To the cooled mixture was added 3.6 g. of N-bromosuccinimide portionwise over a period of 15 minutes. This reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature in the dark. The dimethoxyethane was removed under reduced pressure at 40 C. Ether was added to the resulting mixture and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was reextracted with ether and the ether solutions were combined and washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. After drying over magnesium sulfate the ether was removed at reduced pressure leaving approximately 6 g. of crude material. This crude product was placed on a column of 150 g. of Florisil in a lzl benzene-hexane solvent. Elution was begun with 1:1 benzene-hexane and a gradient to 100 percent benzene was begun immediately. The volume of each fraction collected was ml. Fractions 31 to 250 were combined to give approximately 5 g. of product. This product was placed on a column of 120 g. of Florisil in hexane and elution with hexane was begun. None of the bromohydrin was eluted in the initial 120 fractions and a gradient to 1:1 benzene-hexane was begun. Fractionf22l to 460 were combined to give 4.5 g. of product. The 'huclear magnetic resonance spectrum of this product indicated it to be a mixture with the desired bromohydrin and the epoxide being the major components. This mixture was subjected to dehydrohalogenation without further purification.

EXAMPLE 27 The 4.5 g. of the mixture from Example 26 and 2.8 .g. of anhydrous potassium carbonate were combined in ml. of anhydroiisi methanol and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour. The excess potassium carbonate was removed by filtration and the methanol was removed from the filtrate at reduced pressure. Water and ether were added to the residue, the layers were separated and the ether phase was washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. After drying over magnesium sulfate, the ether was removed at C. under reduced fpiessure. The crude product was chromatographed onfiO g. of deactivated silica using benzene for elution. Fractions 14 through 40 were combined to give 21g. of the epoxide. The product was evaporatively distilled at 150 C. and 180 microns pressure. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum was consistent with the structure for the expected 9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)- 2,6-dimethyl-2,3-epoxy6-nonene (X).

Analysis.-Calculated for C H O C, 74.97; H, 8.39. Found: C, 74.23; H, 8.70.

Those compounds of my invention containing side chain unsaturation maybe hydrogenated to reduce the side chain double bonds. That is, those compounds wherein Z and Z together and Z5 and Z together form a carbon to carbon bond may be hydrogenated to obtain those compounds wherein either 2 or 4 of the Z groups are hydrogen. This hydrogenation step is the hydrogenation of a carbon to carbondouble bond as discussed in Step 1 of my process for preparing the unsaturated compounds of the invention from a cinnamic acid. Methods of hydrogenating double bpnds are well known to those skilled in the art. I have found this hydrogenation to proceed readily employing a catalyst of 5 percent palladium on carbon in an inert hydrocarbon solvent. Equivalent hydrogenation procedures will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The hydrogenation of an unsaturated compound of my invention to obtain a fully saturated compound of my invention will be illustrated by the following example.

EXAMPLE 28 To a solution of 1 g. of 9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)- 2,6- dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene (prepared as in Example 8) in 40 ml. of benzene was added 2.0g. of a 5 percent palladium on carbon catalyst. Hydrogen was introduced into the reaction vessel to a pressure of p.s.i.g. This mixture was shaken at room temperature for 16 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the benzene was evaporated under reduced pressure to yield pure 9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethylnonane (XI). The structure was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

In a first demonstration of the ability of my compounds to inhibit the maturation of insects the compounds were applied topically to a metamorphic stage of four insect species. The compounds were applied in acetone solution at concentrations of 10 percent, 1 percent and 0.5 percent. One microliter of the acetone solution was applied to each test specimen. Ten test specimens were employed for each insect at each concentration and compared to ten acetone controls and ten zero controls. Approximately eight to ten days were required before results could be ascertained.

The insect species used in the test were Tenebrio molitor pupae; milkweed bug, fourth nymphal stage; wax moth, fifth larvalstage; and Mexican bean beetle, fourth larval stage. At the completion of the test, each specimen was examined for the degree of juvenile and adult characteristics. The milkweed bug, wax moth, and Mexican bean beetle were assigned a numerical rating of 0 to 3 with 0 indicating no eliiect and 3 indicating the maximum effect or least adult development. Because of differences in morphology the Tenalzrio rating scale was 0 to 4. In all cases a rating of 2 or higher means that the insect is incapable of reproduction. The number of specimens in each rating classification are given. The results for the compounds tested are summarized in the following tables. In any test where the total of specimens reported is less than 10, those unreported died in some metamorphic stage. 'Such deaths indicate control, since the dead insects are not capable of reproducing.

2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene MBB- 1 l0 0.5 9 Acet 10 Cont 10 3-methyl-7-ethy1-10-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3,7-decadiene Rating Cone Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Temzbrio 2,6-dimethyl-9-(3-methoxyphenyl) -2,6-nonadicne 3,4-cpoxy-3,7-dimethyl-10-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) -7-decene Rating Rating I Conc., Conc.. Insect percent Insect percent 1 2 3 4 Tenebn'o 10 Tenebrio 10 10 l 10 0.5 10 Acct Cont 9 MWB 1n MWB 1- 2 8 1 1 0.5 2 5 2 0.5 3 3 4 A061). Acet- 10 Cont 10 Cont 10 0.5 1 9 Acet- 10 Cont 10 MBB 1 10 0.5 10 M BB Acet- 10 Cont 10 Y -(4-m yD nY1)- 3,4-epoxy-3-methy1-7-ethyl-l0-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-7-decene Rating Rating 00110., Conc., Insect Percent 0 1 2 3 Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Tenebrz'o Not tested Tgngbrin MWB MWB MBB 1 0.5- 10 Acct. 10 MBB Cont 10 2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4dimethoxypheny1)-2,6-nonadien0 2,fi-dichloro-2,6-dimethy1-9-(3,4-methy1enedioxypheny1)nonane Rating Rating Conc., Conc., Insect percent 0 I 2 3 4 Insect percent 0 1 I 2 3 4 Tembrion' 2 Tenebre'o MWB. MWB

wM '3 WM MBB MBB tram-ethyl p-(4.8-d1methyl-3,7-nonadienyl) benzoate tmn3-4-(4,8-dimethyl-3,7-nonadieny1)-N,Ndimethylamline Rating Rating 00110., e" Insect percent 1 2 3 4 Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Tammie... 10 3 5 1 1 5 Tenebrio 10 l 10 1 2 2 1 4 0.5.. 9 0.5.. 10 A0617- 9 Arm 10 Cont 10 I Cant 10 MWB 10 10 MWB 10 10 Acet. 10 Cnn 10 10 1o WM m. 1 m 0.5 10 Acet 10 m Cont 10 M133 8 m 10 1 s- 1: 1 0.5. 9 Acet 10 et 10 Crmt 8 Cnnt 10 l1am-9(2,6-d1ch1orophenyl)-2,6dimethyl-2,6-nonadlene y -d methyl-2,6-nonadiene Rating Rating 00110., Conc.. Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 THEM 19 9 Tenebrio co cm 10 a MWB V In H 10 MWB.. 10 3 4 8 5 i3 0.5. 10 Acct. 10 Ace: 10 Con 9 40 CW 10 w 10 1o WM 10 Not tested 10 J Not tested 10 Not tested 10 Not tested 10 N 01: tested 8 MB]! 10 9 1 B m 0.6 9 10 Acet 9 Clint J 10 Cnnf 9 B5 tram-2,6-d1methyl-9-(m-to1yl)-2,6-nonadleue tram-9-(3-bmmophenyl)-2,6-dlmethyl-2,6-nonadiene Rating R I Conc., Com" ating hsect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Insect percent 0 2 3 4 Tmebrio 1 10 Tenebrio 10 0.5- 10 8 Acet. 10 1 Cont 9 10 MW i0 P 1;) MWB 10 0:5. 10 m Acet. 9 Cont 9 Not tested 10 N 0t tested 0.5. 10 Not tested 10 Not tested Crm 10 Not tGStBd MBB 10 M'RH tran2-9-(4-bromophenyl)-2,6-dimethy1-2,6-nonadiene tram-9-(3,4-dich1orophenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6nonadiene Rating Rating 7 Cone, W Conc., Insect percent 1 2 3 4 Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Tenebrio 10 .J 10 5 Tcnebrio 10 A 0.5 10 Aeet- 10 Cent 10 MWB 10 '10 J 1.- 10 0.5- 10 Acet- 10 Cnn 10 WM 10 'Not tested WM m 1 7 Not tested 1 10 Not tested 0.5- 10 Not tested Acet. 10

Not tested Cont 10 6 1 1 2 10 10 A 10 10 -------------p-------- -i Additional compounds in this series were tested against one or two of the insect species .and were shown to be I y, active against such species. The results of these tests are 'f summarized in the following tables.

2,6-dimethy1-9-(3,4-ethy1enedioxypheny 1) -2,6-nonadiene trans-Q-(4-fiuorophenyl) 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene Cone Rating Rating Insect ercent 0 1 2 -a Cone. Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Tembm i J 2- 1g 0:5. Tenebriu M t 10 Cont 10 3,7-dimethy1-10-(3,4-methy1enedioxyphenyl)-3,7-decadlene Men 10 1o MWB 1 10 e 0.5 10 Aeet 10 cnnr 10 Not tested 2,3-epoxy-2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyi)-6-nonene Rating Concz, U Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 7V Tenebrio 1g tram-4-(4,8-dimethy1-3,7-nonadieny1)benzonitrile 'C 'Ratlng onc., Insect percent '0 1 2 3 4 Tenebrio 10 9 1 I Not tested 'MWB 2,6-dirnethy1-9-(3,4-methy1enedioxypheny1)nonane Rating Conc., Insect percent 0 1 2 3 Q WM... Tenebrio 10 10 7 MBB e;

-(n-nonyl)-1,3-benzodioxole Rating Conc.. Insect percent 0 1 2 3 4 Tenebn'o MW R M B R Various of the compounds of this invention have been tested against several insect species representing a number of insect orders to demonstrate their versatility and broad spectrum activity. Since the test methods used are different for different insects, each insect test will be described separately.

MOSQUITO Two compounds, 7,8epoxy-4-ethy1-8-methyl-1-(3,4- methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-decene and 2,6-dimethy1-9-(3,4- methylenedioxyphenyl) 2,6-nonadiene, were tested against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae in aqueous solutions at concentrations of 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.625 p.p.m. each. Ninety milliliters of each solution were placed in a pint jar and 30 fiveday-old mosquito larvae were added to each jar. Two tests were run at each concentration and control tests employing only solvent with no compound were also run. Food was added to each jar, the jars were covered with cloths, and maintained at 29 C. until adults emerged in the control jars. The number of adults in the test jars was determined. The results 13 days after the test started are summarized in the following table.

The nonadiene gave 100 percent control at concentrations as low as 2.5 p.p.m. The decene gave 100 percent control at concentrations as low as 0.625 p.p.m. Live adults were observed in the control jars six days after the start of the test. There were never any live adults in the nonadiene jars at concentrations of 10, 5, and 2.5 p.p.m. nor in the decene jars at any concentration.

SOUTHERN CORN ROOTWORM Petri dishes containing 150 g. of sand were autoclaved for one hour. Corn seed which had been soaked overnight was'rinsed first with a solution of percent alcohol, percent chlorox, and 70 percent water for 15 minutes and then with clear water. Three to four seeds were placed in each dish. The dishes were then moistened with 15 ml. of a 100 p.p.m. solution of a fungicide. After 24 hours, ten Southern corn rootworm eggs (Diabrotica undecimpunctara) were placed in each dish. The dishes were maintained in an incubator in the dark for 14 days. New petri dishes were prepared as described except that the eggs were not added and 2,6-dimethy1-9- 2'4 (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene was added at a rate of 100 p.p.m. or 10 p.p.m. Ten dishes at each treatment rate and ten controls were used. Three larvae from the incubated dishes were placed in each of the treated dishes and each control dish. After 21 days, no adults had emerged in the dishes treated at 100 p.p.m. There were a total of 15 adults in the ten dishes treated at 10 p.p.m. and a total of 19 adults in the ten control dishes.

GERMAN COCKROACH Test jars were prepared by adding 2 ml. of an acetone solution containing 10 mg., 20 mg., or 100 mg. of 2,6- dimethyl-9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene to one gallon glass jars and allowing the acetone to evaporate. The jars were equipped with watering bottles, food, and paper towels. There were two jars for each rate of test compound and two jars for nontreated controls. To each jar were added 20 forty-day-old cockroach nymphs (Blattella germanica). After about two and a half months, the 100 mg. jars did not contain newly hatched nymphs and all adults in the jars had deformed wings. The control jars and the 10 and 20 mg. jars contained normal adults and newly hatched nymphs. Four months after the test had started, the roaches in the 100 mg. jars showed no reproduciton while the control jars and lower rate jars had produced large numbers of newly hatched nymphs. Thus, the nonadiene at 100 mg. had prevented reproduction for four months.

In another test, the nonadiene was applied topically to SO-day-old German cockroach nymphs. The compound was applied in acetone as a 10 percent, 1 percent, or 0.5 percent solution. Acetone controls and nontreated controls were also run. The roaches were then maintained in the laboratory until the controls reproduced. Those treated with the 10 percent solution had normal wing formation but did not reproduce. The 1 percent and 0.5 percent treatments did reproduce.

HOUSEFLY Test compounds were mixed with the rearing diet of housefiies at various levels. The prepared diet was then placed in an 8 oz. drinking cup. Three cups were prepared for each treatment level and three control cups. Housefiy eggs (Musca domestica) were placed in each cup and they were maintained at 28 C. for one week. Fifty p'upae were then removed from each cup and placed in a petri dish. After the control pupae had emerged into adults, the percent emergence in each dish was recorded. The test compounds used were 7,8-epoxy-4-ethyl-8-methyl-l-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-decene, 4,8-dimethyl- 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene and 2,6-dichloro 2,6 dimethyl 9 (3,4 methylenedioxyphenyl)nonane. The results in terms of percent adult emergence are summarized in the following table.

The nonadiene gave 100 percent control at 500 p.p.m. as did the nonane at 100 p.p.m. The decene gave percent control at p.p.m.. The control of all the test compounds dropped off at the lower rates.

A number of compounds were tested against housefly larvae by topical application in an acetone solution using the method described'above for the primary test against Gone, o mpound percent 0 rans-9-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2,6-

dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene.

trans-944-chlorophenyl)-2,6- dirnethyl-2,5-nonadiene.

cis-fl-( i chlorophenyl)-2,6-

dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene.

2,6-dichloro-2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4

methylenedioxyphenyl)nonane. 0

7,8-epoxy4-ethyl-8-methyl-1- (SA-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3- decene.

2,3-epoxy-2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4-

methylenedioxyphenyD-finonene.

MELON APHIDS Young squash plants were dipped for 30 seconds in aqueous solutions containing 200, 100, and 50 p.p.m. of 2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl) 2,6 nonadiene. Three plants were treated at each concentration and three plants were used as controls. After the plants had dried, ten adult aphids (A phis gossypi) were placed on each plant and allowed to feed. The plants were maintained under laboratory conditions. Twenty-four hours after they were placed on the plants, all adults were removed, leaving young nymphs. Six days after treatment, the total number of aphids on each plant was determined. The results are summarized in the following table.

Im- Mature mature Total nymph was applied 0.1 ml. of a 10 percent, 1 percent, or

0.5 percent solution of 2,6'dimethyl-9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene or 7,8-epoxy-4-ethyl-8-methyl-l-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-decene in acetone and the aphid nymphs were transferred to new squash plants and observed for possible effects. Ten nymphs were treated with each concentration of each compound and 10 were treated with acetone alone while 10 were not treated to serve as controls. After three days, all of the nymphs treated at the 10 percent and 1 percent concentrations were dead while nine of the ten treated with each compound at 0.5 percent concentration were dead. There was only one dead nymph treated with acetone alone and one dead nymph in the nontreated controls.

ALFALFA WE EVIL A number of compounds were applied topically to alfalfa weevil larvae as a 10 percent solution in acetone. Acetone and nontreated controls were also run. Ten larvae were used in each test. The number of normal adults emerging from the larvae was observed. In each case, all the acetone and nontreated controls reached normal adulthood. The number of normal adults from treated larvae are reported below.

Compound: Number of adults 9-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6-

nonadiene 5 9- 3 ,5 -dimethoxyphenyl) -2,6-dimethyl-2,6-

nonadiene 8 9-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-2,6-nonadiene 6 9- (3 ,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl) -2, 6-dimethyl-2,6'-

nonadiene 7 The activity of my compounds has been demonstrated against a number of orders of insects including Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, and Lepidoptera. Examples of insects which are members of the orders against which my compounds are active include bean beetle, Tenebrio, confused flour beetle, the corn root worm, potatoe beetle, sawtooth grain beetle, alfalfa weevil, carpet beetle, housefly, yellow-fever mosquito, blow fly, German cockroach, American cockroach, house cricket, grasshopper, milkweed bug, squash bug, kissing bug, assassin bug, bedbug, aphids, leafhoppers, spittle bug, wax moth, Southern army worm, cecropia, tobacco bug worm, and cotton boll worm. Because of the close relationship of insect species within a given order, it is to be expected that all species within the order will exhibit similar behavior toward any particular juvenile hormone or juvenile hormone mimic.

The degree of activity toward a particular insect may vary from compound to compound within my invention. However, it is to be expected that at sufiiciently high rates of application all of the compounds will exhibit some activity, although perhaps slight, toward insects belonging to the six orders named above. Simple tests such as those described herein may be used to determine the degree of activity of any particular compound against any particular insect.

Isomcrization around the double bonds of my compounds can, and does, occur. Unless a particular isomer is noted, the tests described above were conducted on the mixture of isomers which were obtained in the synthesis of the compound. For example, I have found my products to contain approximately 59 percent of the cis isomer and 41 percent of the trans isomer when prepared by the Wittig reaction. This ratio might be changed by using dif ferent conditions such as a different base and a different solvent in the Witting reaction. It is to be understood that the claims of this application cover all active isomers as well as active mixtures of isomers of compounds of my invention. In those compounds where the pure cis or trans isomer has been obtained, both isomers have been found to exhibit some activity but in general the trans isomers are more active.

The compounds of this invention are active when ingested by the immature insect form or upon contact with the immature insect. This contact may be with the compounds in solid, liquid or vapor states. In general, these compounds are also systemically active, i.e., they may be applied to soil where they will be taken up by the roots of a plant and transported to the foliage which is eaten by the insect form.

The amount of compound needed for field control of insects will depend upon the particular compound being used and the particular insect being treated. In general, the compounds should be applied at a rate of from about 0.2 to about 8 pounds per acre. If more than one insect species is involved, it may be desirable to use a mixture of two or more compounds.

For application, my compounds are incorporated with carriers and adjuvants in accordance with known procedures. They may be formulated, for example, as sprays, dusts, granules, wettable powders or soil drenches. The formulation of such compositions is well known using suitable solids such as silica, fullers earth, chalk, talc, attapulgite clays, kaolin clays, inorganic carbonates, lime and other known solid carriers. These may be applied as dusts or wettable concentrates and may be prepared by including dispersing and emulsifying agents. Liquid concentrates may be obtained using suitable liquid carriers such as xylene, kerosene, aromatic naphthas and other organic solvents. In general, the juvenile hormone mimic is included at a concentration of about 2-50 percent.

When concentrates are prepared for dilution with water they-should contain about 1-15 percent of a wetting or emulsifying agent. A large number of such agents are available commercially and are well known to those skilled in the formulation of pesticides. Typical of the surface active agents employed in this manner are the alkyl and alkylaryl polyether alcohols, sulfated higher alcohols and polyether alcohols, alkyl and alkylaryl sufonates and sufates, fatty acid amides, polyvinyl alcohols and polyethylene oxides. Other suitable surface active agents are known to those skilled in the art.

It is to be understood that other active ingredients may be included in the formulation and applied with my juvenile hormone mimics. Such other active ingredients include fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, nematocides, and especially insecticides.

Application of my compounds as a soil drench and foliar spray and the residual fumigant activity of my compounds will be illustrated by the following examples EXAMPLE 29 Bean plants of the Bountiful variety were placed in soil and allowed to grow with Mexican bean beetle larvae on each cluster. To the soil around each plant was added 200 ml. of a solution containing 2,6-dimethyl-9- (3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene. The soil was then covered with aluminum foil to prevent the larvae from coming in contact with the compound. Three different concentrations of compound were applied. These were prepared from a 48 percent emulsifiable concentrate by diluting 10 ml., 4 ml., and 2 ml. of the concentrate to a volume of 200 ml. with water. A control using 200 ml. of just water and another using no drench were also run. The results are tabulated below using the same rating system as described earlier for the primary screening test against Mexican bean beetle.

Rating Gone:

10 ml. concentrate/200 ml 4 ml. concentrate/200 ml. 2 ml. concentrate/200 200 ml. water No drench EXAMPLE 30 trate of 2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6- nonadiene to the desired concentration. Two flats were treated at each concentration and two were used as com trols. The results are shown below.

Rate, lbs./ acre: Percent control Fumigant and residual activity of 2,6-dimethyl-9-(3,4- methylenedioxyphenyl)-2,6-nonadiene was determined in the following manner. One milliliter of a 1 percent, a 0.1 percent or a 0.01 percent solution of the test compound was placed in the bottom of a one pint jar. A control was prepared using just acetone. The acetone was allowed to evaporate and 10 Mexican bean beetle larvae were placed on a screen five inches from the bottom. The jar was closed for one week at which time the controls emerge as adults and the treated ones are rated as described above. The larvae are replaced weekly. The results of several of the weekly tests are summarized below.

Rating Cone, percent 0 1 2 3 First week:

Discontinued Discontinued Many of my compounds are novel compounds not known before my preparation thereof. The novel compounds of my invention are those having the formula wherein each of R R and R is a C -C alkyl group; each of Z Z Z and Z separately is hydrogen or halogen, or Z and Z together or 2;, and 2., together are oxygen or a carbon to carbon bond; and Y is thienyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl wherein the substituents are fiuoro, chloro, bromo, carboethoxy, cyano, ethoxy,

methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy, C -C alkyl, nitro, di-

methylamino or diethylamino.

Preferred compounds of my invention are those wherein R R and R are methyl or ethyl; Z and Z together are a carbon to carbon bond; 2;, and Z together are oxygen or a carbon to carbon bond; and Y is 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl or 4-halophenyl, such as 4-chlorophenyl.

I claim:

1. A method for controlling the development of an insect species that is a member of an order selected from the group consisting of Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera and Lepidoptera which com- 29 prises treating, by contact or ingestion, an immature form of the insect species with a maturation-inhibiting amount of a compound having the formula wherein each of R R and R is a C -C alkyl group; each of Z Z Z and Z separately is hydrogen or halogen, or Z and Z together or Z and Z together represents a carbon to carbon bond; and

Y is phenyl substituted by methylenedioxy ethylenedioxy.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein each of R R and R is methyl; Z and Z together and Z and Z together are carbon to carbon bonds; and Y is 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein each of R and R is ethyl; R is methyl; Z and Z together and Z and Z together are carbon to carbon bonds; and Y is 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.

4. The method of Claim 1 wherein each of R and R is ethyl; R is methyl Z and Z together and Z and 2,; together are carbon to carbon bonds; and Y is 3,4-methy1- enedioxyphenyl.

5. The method of Claim 1 wherein each of R R and R is methyl; Z and Z are hydrogen; Z and Z together are a carbon to carbon bond; and Y is 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl.

6. The method of Claim 1 wherein each of R R and R is methyl; Z and Z together and Z and Z together are carbon to carbon bonds; and Y is 3,4-ethylenedioxyphenyl.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,563,982 2/1971 Bowers 424-282 VINCENT D. TURNER, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R.

260--338, 340.9, 465 G, 465 R, 465 K, 469, 650 F, 650 R, 612 D, 668; 424Dig. 10, Dig. 12, 304, 30s, 325, 282, 340, 353, s

mg UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 5,825,661 I Dated y 3, 97

Inventor(3) Thomas L- Emmick It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

I n column 2, line 17, ,"EMBODIMENTS" should read --EMBODIMENT--- I a In column 5,fo1 mula (X), "CH-C" should read --CH-C 3H r 3 In column T, line "TL should mead -'73 In column 22, line 59, "t should read 5 In column 2 L, line 25, "reproduciton" should read --reproduction-- I In column 2 line 58, "ompound:" should read -C 0mpound:--. In column 25, line l L, "Tans'l should read trans-.

Incolumn 25, line=56, "100" should read -'--2o0---.

I In column 27, line 55, "sufates" should read -sulfates---.

In column 27, line 66, "/2o0" should read ---/200 ml---.

In column 28, line 55, at the end .of the structure, "R should read ----R3-- i In column, 29, line 15, "methylenedioXy ethylene should read ---methylenedioxy or ethylenee In column 29, line 20, "is ethyl; R is methyl," should read is methyl; R is ethyl;---.

Signedand sealed this 17th day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY 2:1, GIBSON JR. I v v c. MARSHALL DANN. Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

